Northeast Ohio shutters schools and public offices Monday as Winter Storm Fern brings snow and dangerous cold

Widespread closures follow forecast of heavy snow, hazardous roads and sub-zero wind chills

Much of Northeast Ohio is operating on a reduced schedule Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, as Winter Storm Fern drives widespread school and government closures and pushes public agencies to shift into storm-response mode.

Forecasters warned of heavy snowfall across a broad stretch of North Central and Northeast Ohio, with totals projected in the 6- to 12-inch range. The warning window covered Saturday night through Monday morning, with the most intense snowfall expected Sunday and tapering late Sunday night into Monday. In addition to snow, the storm pattern included periods of sub-zero wind chills during overnight hours, a combination that can reduce visibility and quickly worsen road conditions during the morning commute.

Schools cancel in-person instruction across multiple counties

School districts throughout the region announced cancellations for Monday, citing unsafe travel and the likelihood of difficult conditions for buses, students and staff. Among districts confirming closures were Campbell City Schools and Northeast Ohio Impact Academy, which said classes would not meet Monday due to extreme snowfall and hazardous conditions.

In Tuscarawas County, multiple districts and education providers moved quickly to cancel classes, with some extending cancellations beyond Monday as the storm’s impacts and cold intensified. Several school systems in that area announced closures for both Monday and Tuesday, including Buckeye Career Center, Dover City Schools and others.

Not all closures were limited to K-12 systems, reflecting the broader effect on campus operations and commuting across the region.

Cleveland and Mahoning County adjust public operations

Local governments also modified services. The City of Cleveland announced City Hall, Cleveland Public Auditorium and the Willard Parking Garage would be closed Monday, Jan. 26, while essential services would continue. The city also activated warming centers at multiple recreation facilities with scheduled hours extending into midweek, aimed at providing daytime relief during the storm and extreme cold.

In Mahoning County, county offices and courts were closed Monday, with nonessential services suspended for the day because of hazardous winter weather.

Transit interruptions and what residents should watch

Transportation impacts extended to public transit. In the Youngstown area, the Western Reserve Transit Authority said it would not operate Monday due to hazardous driving conditions, with service resumption dependent on weather and road assessments.

Residents should anticipate that reopening decisions may hinge on the pace of snow removal, refreezing risks after nightfall, and wind chill levels that can create dangerous exposure conditions even after snow ends.

• Monday closures and service changes may vary by district and municipality.
• Travel conditions can shift rapidly as temperatures drop below freezing.
• Warming centers and essential city services are expected to remain available despite building closures.

As storm impacts extend beyond snowfall to cold-driven hazards, agencies across Northeast Ohio are treating Monday as a safety-focused shutdown day, with gradual resumption tied to road conditions and temperature trends.